Associate Professor Yusuf Ozgur Cakmak (MD, PhD) is a leading expert in applied anatomy for non-invasive wearable neuromodulation and remote health monitoring using nearable devices.
He holds over ten international patents and has founded two spinoff companies specializing in wearable neuromodulation and mobile phone-based diagnostics in the US. He also leads point-of-care technologies theme for Centre for Bioengineering at the University of Otago, where he holds an Associate Professor position at the Department of Anatomy.
Associate Professor Cakmak teaches in numerous papers including Peripheral Neuromodulation and Post-graduate Diploma in Surgical Anatomy. He is also a member of Interventional Technologies theme at NZ Consortium for Medical Device Technologies.
Associate Professor Cakmak's research is supported by Health Rearch Council New Zealand and New Zealand Medical Technologies Centre of Research Excellence grants.
Associate Professor Cakmak provides invited expert opinions to numerous governmental grants, including NIH ( US ), ERC ( EU ), and MRFF (Australia) as well as to the Medtech showcase at the Parliament of New Zealand.
Find out more about Dr Cakmak's research
Publications
Yang, A. H. X., Kasabov, N., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2022). Machine learning methods for the study of cybersickness: A systematic review. Brain Informatics, 9(1), 24. doi: 10.1186/s40708-022-00172-6 Journal - Research Article
Maharjan, A., Khwaounjoo, P., Peng, M., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2022). Non-contact neuromodulation of the human autonomic nervous system function via different odors: Sex, menstrual cycle, and odor dose- and duration-specific effects. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 16, 950282. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2022.950282 Journal - Research Article
Khwaounjoo, P., Singh, G., Grenfell, S., Özsoy, B., MacAskill, M. R., Anderson, T. J., & Çakmak, Y. O. (2022). Non-contact hand movement analysis for optimal configuration of smart sensors to capture Parkinson's disease hand tremor. Sensors, 22(12), 4613. doi: 10.3390/s22124613 Journal - Research Article
Maharjan, A., Peng, M., Russell, B., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2022). Investigation of the optimal parameters of median nerve stimulation using a variety of stimulation methods and its effects on heart rate variability: A systematic review. Neuromodulation, 25, 1268-1279. doi: 10.1016/j.neurom.2021.10.005 Journal - Research Article
Cakmak, Y. (2022, August-September). Effects of neuromodulation on gastric slow waves validate using high-resolution body-surface mapping. Verbal presentation at the 16th New Zealand Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Queenstown, New Zealand. Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Cakmak, Y. O., Olcek, C., Ozsoy, B., Khwaounjoo, P., Kiziltan, G., Apaydin, H., … Gokcay, D. (2022). Hand pronation–supination movement as a proxy for remotely monitoring gait and posture stability in Parkinson’s disease. Sensors, 22, 1827. doi: 10.3390/s22051827 Journal - Research Article
Hui Xiang, A. Y., Khwaounjoo, P., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2021). Directional effects of whole-body spinning and visual flow in virtual reality on vagal neuromodulation. Journal of Vestibular Research, 31(6), 479-494. doi: 10.3233/ves-201574 Journal - Research Article
Spicer, C., Khwaounjoo, P., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2021). Human and human-interfaced AI interactions: Modulation of human male autonomic nerve system via pupil mimicry. Sensors, 21, 1028. doi: 10.3390/s21041028 Journal - Research Article
Peng, M., Browne, H., Cahayadi, J., & Cakmak, Y. (2021). Predicting food choices based on eye-tracking data: Comparisons between real-life and virtual tasks. Appetite, 166, 105477. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105477 Journal - Research Article
Maharjan, A., Peng, M., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2022). The effects of frequency-specific, non-invasive, median nerve stimulation on food-related attention and appetite. Appetite, 169, 105807. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105807 Journal - Research Article
Galli, G., Cakmak, Y. O., Babič, J., & Pazzaglia, M. (2020). Embodying tool use: From cognition to neurorehabilitation. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 14, 585670. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.585670 Journal - Research Other
Cakmak, Y. O., Ozsoy, B., Ertan, S., Cakmak, O. O., Kiziltan, G., Yapici-Eser, H., … Gursoy-Ozdemir, Y. (2020). Intrinsic auricular muscle zone stimulation improves walking parameters of parkinson's patients faster than levodopa in the motion capture analysis: A pilot study. Frontiers in Neurology, 11, 546123. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.546123 Journal - Research Article
Lumsden, S. C., Clarkson, A. N., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2020). Neuromodulation of the pineal gland via electrical stimulation of its sympathetic innervation pathway. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 14, 264. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00264 Journal - Research Other
Cakmak, Y. O., Nazim, K., Thomas, C., & Datta, A. (2020). Optimized electrode placements for non-invasive electrical stimulation of the olfactory bulb and olfactory mucosa. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 14, 581503. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2020.581503 Journal - Research Article
Benninger, B., & Cakmak, Y. (2020). Innovative handheld ultrasound-probe-system utilizes artificial intelligence for teaching face-to-face sonoanatomy with human cadaver for lab and distance learning via cloud. Journal of Anatomy, 236(Suppl. 1), P2-E9. doi: 10.1111/joa.13163 Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Cakmak, Y. O., Daniel, B. K., Hammer, N., Yilmaz, O., Irmak, E. C., & Khwaounjoo, P. (2020). The human muscular arm avatar as an interactive visualisation tool in learning anatomy: Medical students perspectives. IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies, 13(3), 593-603. doi: 10.1109/TLT.2020.2995163 Journal - Research Article
Gowen, C. L., Khwaounjoo, P., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2020). EMG-free monitorization of the acoustic startle reflex with a mobile phone: Implications of sound parameters with posture related responses. Sensors, 20, 5996. doi: 10.3390/s20215996 Journal - Research Article
Cakmak, Y. O., Daniel, B. K., Hammer, N., Yilmaz, O., & Irmak, E. C. (2020). The human muscular hand avatar: Interactive virtual embodiment for anatomy education. Clinical Anatomy, 33(2), (pp. E18). doi: 10.1002/ca.23370 Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wang, C., Daniel, B. K., Asil, M., Khwaounjoo, P., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2020). A randomised control trial and comparative analysis of multi-dimensional learning tools in anatomy. Scientific Reports, 10, 6120. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-62855-6 Journal - Research Article
Sukasem, A., Cakmak, Y. O., Khwaounjoo, P., Gharibans, A., & Du, P. (2020). The effects of low-and high-frequency non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) on gastric slow waves evaluated using in vivo high-resolution mapping in porcine. Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 32, e13852. doi: 10.1111/nmo.13852 Journal - Research Article
Maharjan, A., Peng, M., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2019). Neuromodulation of olfactory performances using high-frequency vagus and median nerve stimulation in healthy male adults. In K. Hillman (Ed.), Proceedings of the 37th International Australasian Winter Conference on Brain Research (AWCBR). (pp. 46). Retrieved from http://www.otago.ac.nz/awcbr Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Lumsden, S. C., Clarkson, A. N., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2019). Neuromodulation of the pineal gland. In K. Hillman (Ed.), Proceedings of the 37th International Australasian Winter Conference on Brain Research (AWCBR). (pp. 44). Retrieved from http://www.otago.ac.nz/awcbr Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Khwaounjoo, P., Özsoy, B., & Çakmak, Y. Ö. (2019). Non-contact volumetric displacement and frequency spectrum analysis for Parkinson's disease tremor assessment. In K. Hillman (Ed.), Proceedings of the 37th International Australasian Winter Conference on Brain Research (AWCBR). (pp. 50). Retrieved from http://www.otago.ac.nz/awcbr Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
HajiRassouliha, A., Lam Po Tang, E. J., Nash, M. P., Taberner, A. J., Nielsen, P. M. F., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2019). Quantifying carotid pulse waveforms using subpixel image registration. In P. M. F. Nielsen, A. Wittek, K. Miller, B. Doyle, G. R. Joldes & M. P. Nash (Eds.), Computational biomechanics for medicine: Measurements, models, and predictions. (pp. 83-92). Cham, Switzerland: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-75589-2_8 Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper
Cakmak, Y. O. (2019). Concerning auricular vagal nerve stimulation: Occult neural networks. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 13, 421. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00421 Journal - Research Other
Lam Po Tang, E. J., HajiRassouliha, A., Nash, M. P., Taberner, A. J., Nielsen, P. M. F., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2019). Removing drift from carotid arterial pulse waveforms: A comparison of motion correction and high-pass filtering. In M. P. Nash, P. M. F. Nielsen, A. Wittek, K. Miller & G. R. Joldes (Eds.), Computational biomechanics for medicine: Personalisation, validation and therapy. (pp. 111-119). Cham, Switzerland: Springer Nature. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-15923-8_9 Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper
Peng, M., Coutts, D., Wang, T., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2019). Systematic review of olfactory shifts related to obesity. Obesity Reviews, 20, 325-338. doi: 10.1111/obr.12800 Journal - Research Article
Çavdar, S., Özgür, M., Çakmak, Y. Ö., Kuvvet, Y., Kunt, S. K., & Sağlam, G. (2018). Afferent projections of the subthalamic nucleus in the rat: Emphasis on bilateral and interhemispheric connections. Acta Neurobiologiae Experimentalis, 78(3), 251-263. doi: 10.21307/ane‑2018‑023 Journal - Research Article
Liugan, M., Zhang, M., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2018). Neuroprosthetics for auricular muscles: Neural networks and clinical aspects. Frontiers in Neurology, 8, 752. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00752 Journal - Research Other
Kirazli, O., Bay, H. H., Çakmak, Y. Ö., Onat, F., & Çavdar, S. (2018). Comparison of cerebral ventricular volumes and cortical thicknesses in normal rats and Genetic Absence Epilepsy (GAERS): A developmental study. International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience, 68, 98-105. doi: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2018.05.007 Journal - Research Article
Cakmak, Y. O., Cotofana, S., Jäger, C., Morawski, M., Sora, M.-C., Werner, M., & Hammer, N. (2018). Peri-arterial autonomic innervation of the human ear. Scientific Reports, 8, 11469. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-29839-z Journal - Research Article
Turkakin, E., Akbiyik, S., Akyol, B., Gürdere, C., Çakmak, Y. Ö., & Balci, F. (2018). Differential bilateral primary motor cortex tDCS fails to modulate choice bias and readiness in perceptual decision making. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12, 410. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00410 Journal - Research Article
Wang, E., Cakmak, Y. O., & Peng, M. (2018). Eating with eyes: Comparing eye movements and food choices between overweight and lean individuals in a real-life buffet setting. Appetite, 125, 152-159. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2018.02.003 Journal - Research Article
Du, P., Sukasem, A., & Cakmak, Y. (2018). How do auricular neuro-stimulations alter gastric bioelectrical slow waves? Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 30(Suppl. 1), (pp. 171). doi: 10.1111/nmo.13423 Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Berkay, D., Eser, H. Y., Sack, A. T., Çakmak, Y. Ö., & Balci, F. (2018). The modulatory role of pre-SMA in speed-accuracy tradeoff: A bi-directional TMS study. Neuropsychologia, 109, 255-261. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2017.12.031 Journal - Research Article
Tang, E. L. P., HajiRassouliha, A., Nash, M., Taberner, A., Nielsen, P., & Cakmak, Y. (2018). Motion correction for measurement of carotid arterial pulse displacement waveforms. Proceedings of the 8th World Congress of Biomechanics. Retrieved from www.wbc2018.com Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Lam Po Tang, E. J., HajiRassouliha, A., Nash, M. P., Nielsen, P. M. F., Taberner, A. J., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2018). Non-contact quantification of jugular venous pulse waveforms from skin displacements. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 17236. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-35483-4 Journal - Research Article
Çakmak, Y. Ö., Ölçek, S. C., Özsoy, B., & Gökçay, D. (2018). Quantitative measurement of bradykinesia in Parkinson's Disease using commercially available leap motion. Proceedings of the 11th International Joint Conference on Biomedical Engineering Systems and Technologies (BIOSTEC). 4, (pp. 227-232). Setúbal, Portugal: SciTePress. doi: 10.5220/0006655402270232 Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper
Maharjan, A., Peng, M., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2018). Non-invasive high frequency median nerve stimulation effectively suppresses olfactory intensity perception in healthy males. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 12, 533. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2018.00533 Journal - Research Article
Maharjan, A., Wang, E., Peng, M., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2018). Improvement of olfactory function with high frequency non-invasive auricular electrostimulation in healthy humans. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12, 225. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00225 Journal - Research Article
Cakmak, Y. O., Ekinci, G., Heinecke, A., & Çavdar, S. (2017). A possible role of prolonged whirling episodes on structural plasticity of the cortical networks and altered vertigo perception: The cortex of Sufi Whirling Dervishes. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 11, 3. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2017.00003 Journal - Research Article
Tosun, T., Berkay, D., Sack, A. T., Çakmak, Y. Ö., & Balci, F. (2017). Inhibition of pre-Supplementary Motor Area by continuous theta burst stimulation leads to more cautious decision-making and more efficient sensory evidence integration. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 29(8), 1433-1444. doi: 10.1162/jocn_a_01134 Journal - Research Article
Goktas, S., Yalcin, O., Ermek, E., Piskin, S., Capraz, C. T., Cakmak, Y. O., & Pekkan, K. (2017). Haemodynamic recovery properties of the torsioned testicular artery lumen. Scientific Reports, 7, 15570. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-15680-3 Journal - Research Article
Cakmak, Y. (2017, December). The human muscular hand avatar: Interactive virtual embodiment for anatomy. Verbal presentation at the 14th Australian and New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomists (ANZACA) Conference, Auckland, New Zealand. Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Cakmak, Y. O., Akpinar, I. N., & Yoldemir, T. (2017). Decreasing the uterine blood flow with electroacupuncture: Bidermatomal and monodermatomal applications. Gynecologic & Obstetric Investigation, 82(2), 151-156. doi: 10.1159/000446947 Journal - Research Article
Cakmak, Y. O., Apaydin, H., Kiziltan, G., Gündüz, A., Ozsoy, B., Olcer, S., … Ertan, S. (2017). Rapid alleviation of Parkinson’s disease symptoms via electrostimulation of intrinsic auricular muscle zones. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 11, 338. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2017.00338 Journal - Research Article
Cakmak, Y. O. (2017). Rotorua, hydrogen sulphide and Parkinson’s disease: A possible beneficial link? New Zealand Medical Journal, 130(1455), 123-125. Retrieved from https://www.nzma.org.nz/journal Journal - Research Other
Cakmak, Y. O. (2016). Coffee consumption, smoking, and Parkinson's disease? The beneficial role of hydrogen sulfide. Movement Disorders, 31(3), 429. doi: 10.1002/mds.26526 Journal - Research Other
Uslu, B., Cakmak, Y. O., Sehirli, Ü., Keskinoz, E. N., Cosgun, E., Arbak, S., & Yalin, A. (2016). Early onset of atherosclerosis of the carotid bifurcation in newborn cadavers. Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research, 10(5), AC01-AC05. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2016/19827.7706 Journal - Research Article
Ozdogmus, O., Saban, E., Ozkan, M., Yildiz, S. D., Verimli, U., Cakmak, O., … Sehirli, U. (2016). Morphometric characteristics of caudal cranial nerves at petroclival region in fetuses. Anatomical Science International, 91, 246-249. doi: 10.1007/s12565-015-0291-0 Journal - Research Article
Cakmak, Y. (2015). Provotella-derived hydrogen sulfide, constipation, and neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease. Movement Disorders, 30(8), 1151. doi: 10.1002/mds.26258 Journal - Research Other
Acar, O., Esen, T., Colakoglu, B., Camli, M. F., & Cakmak, Y. O. (2015). Improving testicular blood flow with electroacupuncture-like percutaneous nerve stimulation in an experimental rat model of testicular torsion. Neuromodulation, 18(4), 324-328. doi: 10.1111/ner.12246 Journal - Research Article
Cakmak, Y. O., Ergelen, R., Ekinci, G., & Kaspar, E. C. (2014). The short appendix vermiformis as a risk factor for colorectal cancer. Clinical Anatomy, 27(3), 498-502. doi: 10.1002/ca.22375 Journal - Research Article
Cakmak, Y. O., Ozdogmus, Ö., Günay, Y., Gürbüzer, B., Tezulaş, E., Kaspar, E. C., & Hacioglu, H. (2014). An earplug technique to reduce the gag reflex during dental procedures. Forschende Komplementärmedizin / Research in Complementary Medicine, 21(2), 94-98. doi: 10.1159/000362140 Journal - Research Article
Çavdar, S., Bay, H. H., Kirazll, Ö., Çakmak, Y. Ö., & Onat, F. (2013). Comparing GABAergic cell populations in the thalamic reticular nucleus of normal and genetic absence epilepsy rats from Strasbourg (GAERS). Neurological Sciences, 34(11), 1991-2000. doi: 10.1007/s10072-013-1435-4 Journal - Research Article
Cakmak, Y. O. (2012). TNFα theory for the beneficial effects of acupuncture on infantile colic: Formula-fed infants and probiotic treatments. Acupuncture in Medicine, 30(1), 70. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2011-010125 Journal - Research Other
Cakmak, Y. O. (2011). Infantile colic: Exploring the potential role of maternal acupuncture. Acupuncture in Medicine, 29(4), 295-297. doi: 10.1136/acupmed.2011.010065 Journal - Research Other
Çakmak, Y. Ö., Akpinar, I. N., Yoldemir, T., & Çavdar, S. (2011). Decreasing bleeding due to uterine fibroid with electroacupuncture [Case report]. Fertility & Sterility, 96(1), e13-e15. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.03.110 Journal - Research Other
Ozdogmus, O., Çakmak, Y. Ö., Coskun, M., Verimli, U., Cavdar, S., & Uzun, I. (2010). The high 2D:4D finger length ratio effects on atherosclerotic plaque development [Short communication]. Atherosclerosis, 209(1), 195-196. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.08.023 Journal - Research Other
Cakmak, Y. Ö., Cavdar, S., Yalın, A., Yener, N., & Ozdogmus, O. (2010). Myocadial bridges of the coronary arteries in the human fetal heart. Anatomical Science International, 85(3), 140-144. doi: 10.1007/s12565-009-0069-3 Journal - Research Article
Cakmak, Y. O. (2010). Electroacupuncture reduces uterine artery blood flow impedance [Letter]. Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 49(3). doi: 10.1016/S1028-4559(10)60084-8 Journal - Research Other
Üzün, İ., Gürdal, E., Çakmak, Y. Ö., Ozdogmus, O., & Çavdar, S. (2009). A reminder of the anatomy of the recurrent artery of Heubner. Central European Neurosurgery, 70(1), 36-38. doi: 10.1055/s-0028-1119379 Journal - Research Article
Cakmak, Y. O. (2009). A review of the potential effect of electroacupuncture and moxibustion on cell repair and survival: The role of heat shock proteins. Acupuncture in Medicine, 27(4), 183-186. doi: 10.1136/aim.2009.001420 Journal - Research Article
Cakmak, Y. O. (2009). How acupuncture may relieve infantile colic symptoms—melatonin, serotonin and circadian rhythmicity [Letter]. Acupuncture in Medicine, 27(3), 134. doi: 10.1136/aim.2009.001172 Journal - Research Other
Ozdogmus, O., Çakmak, Ö., Yalin, A., Keklik, D., Üzün, Ý., & Çavdar, S. (2008). Changing diameters of cerebral vessels with age in human autopsy specimens: Possible relationships to atherosclerotic changes. Zentralblatt für Neurochirurgie, 69(3), 139-143. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-1004588 Journal - Research Article
Çavdar, S., Onat, F. Y., Çakmak, Y. Ö., Yananli, H. R., Gülçebi, M., & Aker, R. (2008). The pathways connecting the hippocampal formation, the thalamic reuniens nucleus and the thalamic reticular nucleus in the rat. Journal of Anatomy, 212(3), 249-256. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2008.00858.x Journal - Research Article
Cakmak, Y. O., Akpinar, I. N., Ekinci, G., & Bekiroglu, N. (2008). Point- and frequency-specific response of the testicular artery to abdominal electroacupuncture in humans. Fertility & Sterility, 90(5), 1732-1738. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.08.013 Journal - Research Article
Gürdal, E., Çakmak, Y. Ö., Ozdogmus, Ö., Yalçinkaya, M., Üzün, İ., Gögüsgeren, M. A., & Çavdar, S. (2007). Morphometric measurements of the caudal cranial nerves in the petroclival region. Zentralblatt für Neurochirurgie, 68(2), 47-49. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-981463 Journal - Research Article
Aker, R. G., Özyurt, H. B., Yananli, H. R., Çakmak, Y. Ö., Özkaynakçi, A. E., Sehirli, Ü., … Onat, F. Y. (2006). GABAA receptor mediated transmission in the thalamic reticular nucleus of rats with genetic absence epilepsy shows regional differences: Functional implications. Brain Research, 1111(1), 213-221. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.06.118 Journal - Research Article
Çavdar, S., Onat, F., Çakmak, Y. Ö., Saka, E., Yananli, H. R., & Aker, R. (2006). Connections of the zona incerta to the reticular nucleus of the thalamus in the rat. Journal of Anatomy, 209(2), 251-258. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2006.00600.x Journal - Research Article
Cakmak, Y. O. (2006). Epilepsy, electroacupuncture and the nucleus of the solitary tract. Acupuncture in Medicine, 24(4), 164-168. doi: 10.1136/aim.24.4.164 Journal - Research Article